The shock occurring on 29 November, estimated at Ms 7.1, was viewed by its residents as the end of a series of disasters that had plagued Antioch.

It killed at least 4,870 people and razed the remaining buildings that did not collapse in the earthquake of 526, and newly constructed ones.

Malalas documented a series of disasters that began with a fire in 525 that destroyed parts of the city.

In an attempt to make sense of the devastation he witnessed, Malalas viewed the 528 earthquake and preceding events as connected to each other.

Its residents walked a mile away from the city barefoot in a ceremonial form, to plead for God's mercy.

[7] Repentance became a common method of moral support as residents began to believe in a narrative that the series of disasters were intended to purify the city.